Pouch for child&#39;s toy or pillow

ABSTRACT

A device for calming or comforting a child comprising a soft implement for use by a child and having an integral internal sealable pouch and a nave for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a design for a pouch sewn into stuffed animal, pillow, and/or blanket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Quieting and amusing small children is a constant challenge for parents and child care providers. It has been shown that children are easier to quiet and calm when they are near a comfortable or well known object or toy. In addition to the use of these known objects, other elements such as aromatherapy odors, electronic sounds, such as music or beach sounds, and the like can further soothe a child.

There have been a number of devices for quieting younger children. Teddy bears and dolls have been used to calm small children for years. U.S. Patent Application No. 20050227572 discloses as a method and apparatus for reducing the risk that a closure on stuffed toy will injure, be recognized by, or be damaged by an animal. An animal toy is configured to stimulate at least one sense of an animal during play by said animal. The toy includes a shell formed of a first pliable material and having an interior; a pouch formed of a second pliable material and contained within the shell during play; a play stimulation item wholly contained within the pouch and configured to issue an emission detectable through the pouch and the shell by at least one sense of said animal; an opening formed in said shell for admitting the pouch into said interior and having a margin; a hem formed along the margin; and, a draw string extending through and from the hem to draw the hem closed.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20040092198 discloses a stuffed toy with a replaceable play-stimulation item, whereby a stuffed toy for play by an animal is taught. The stuffed toy has an outer pliable shell formed of a first fur, an inner pliable shell formed of a second fur located within the outer pliable shell, a pouch formed of a third fur located within the inner pliable shell and a play-stimulation item located within the pouch to provide stimulation for play by the animal. The outer and inner pliable shells form an interior cavity having an opening though the outer and inner pliable shells. A hook-and-loop fastener is used to releasably seals the opening. The pouch is configured to pass through the opening and is contained within the interior cavity during the play by the animal. The play-stimulation item may be an olfactory-excitation material (catnip) or a sound-producing device (squeaker).

U.S. Patent Application No. 20050075034 discloses a method and apparatus for reducing the risk that a closure on stuffed toy will injure or be damaged by an animal. An animal toy is configured to stimulate at least one sense of an animal during play by said animal. The toy includes a shell formed of a first pliable material and having an interior; a pouch formed of a second pliable material and contained within the shell during play; a play stimulation item wholly contained within the pouch and configured to issue an emission detectable through the pouch and the shell by at least one sense of said animal; an opening formed in said shell for admitting the pouch into said interior and having a margin; a hem formed along the margin; and, a draw string extending through and from the hem to draw the hem closed.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20040238583 discloses a personal pillow transport system. The improved personal pillow transport system provides a closable pouch with two carry straps; the pouch interior defining a storage area specifically sized to fit a standard bed pillow; an opening is defined to provide access to the pouch interior/storage area, wherein the user's personal bed pillow is removably insertable; a closure mechanism in the top and/or side faces of the pouch; and an optional pocket attached to the exterior of the pouch.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20010044964 discloses a corner pouch blanket that has one or more corner pouches for receiving a body portion of a user, a pillow or other object. A rectangular blanket has a triangular panel of material attached to one or more corners of the blanket, with the hypotenuse of each triangular panel not being attached to the blanket, thus forming a pouch.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20010047544 discloses a refillable fancy-cloth sachet with a refillable plain-cloth insert. The improved, refillable pillow sachet is made of a fancy-cloth cover and has a re-closable flap on the back of the outer cover, along with a secure closure method. In addition, the refillable pillow insert is made of plain-cloth and has an overlapping and under-lapping slot closure in back portion that may also include a secure closure method. The fancy-cloth sachet cover has a closure method preferably consisting of Velco, a button, a snap, a zipper, etc., so that outer cover can be opened and closed repeatedly to insert scented matter and/or refillable pillow insert without damaging the fancy fabric of the sachet cover. The refillable pillow insert back portion is made of two pieces; a back and a middle section made of plain-cloth, which are joined onto one-piece front section along outer edges, but are not joined onto inner edges whereby making both sections overlap and under lap each other thereby making an opening slot, to facilitate refilling with scented matter of desired fragrance and material.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,003,810 is directed to novelty jeans. These novelty play jeans for children include one or more active play features usable while the jeans are being worn. These various features include, but are not limited to, a race course for a toy race car, a concealed pocket extractable to form a flag-like decoration, a window pocket, a secret tunnel pocket, a carry pouch convertible into a flat play area, and concealed knee pockets which enable the user of jeans to display a puppet show using built-in features of the jeans while worn by the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,339 is directed to a stuffed toy figure and offspring assembly. The animal-like stuffed toy figure consists of a body that is covered with simulated hairy fur of a character appropriate to the animal which the figure resembles. The body is provided with a closable internal pouch receiving a latent offspring. The latent offspring is the collapsed state of a shaped ball formed by an outer casing and is covered with a fur corresponding to that of the figure and enclosing a deflated balloon whose neck projects through a port in the casing. When a player takes the latent offspring out of the pouch and inflates the balloon to expand the casing, the resultant offspring which has the same fur as the figure, therefore resembles the figure and can be played with like a ball.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,457 discloses a stuffed toy with a replaceable play-stimulation item. The stuffed toy has an outer pliable shell formed of a first fur, an inner pliable shell formed of a second fur located within the outer pliable shell, a pouch formed of a third fur located within the inner pliable shell, and a play-stimulation item located within the pouch to provide stimulation for play by the animal. The outer and inner pliable shells form an interior cavity having an opening though the outer and inner pliable shells. A hook-and-loop fastener is used to releasably seal the opening. The pouch is configured to pass through the opening and is contained within the interior cavity during the play by the animal. The play-stimulation item may be an olfactory-excitation material (catnip) or a sound-producing device (squeaker).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,355 discloses a durable pet toy having a bullet resistant fabric therein, with a flexible material or a noise making material contained within the fabric and a cover over the outer or surface portion of the bullet resistant fabric.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,792 discloses a stuffed toy for play with an animal. The stuffed toy will have an outer pliable shell formed of a first fur, an inner pliable shell formed of a second fur located within the outer pliable shell, a pouch formed of a third fur located within the inner pliable shell, and a play-stimulation item located within the pouch to provide stimulation for play by the animal. The outer and inner pliable shells form an interior cavity that has an opening though the outer and inner pliable shells. A hook-and-loop fastener is used to releasably seal the opening. The pouch is configured to pass through the opening and is contained within the interior cavity during the play with the animal. The play-stimulation item may be an olfactory-excitation material (catnip) or a sound-producing device (squeaker).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,285 is a stuffed toy animal that has an abdominal cavity which is covered by a flap. The flap may be secured in a closed position through the use of a zipper or by Velcro fasteners. The stuffed fabric internal organs are removably received in the abdominal cavity. These stuffed organs are retained in anatomically correct positions through the use of cooperating Velcro fasteners. Velcro fasteners are also provided on the exterior surface of the abdominal flap for displaying the various stuffed organs in anatomically correct relative positions for educational purposes. In a second embodiment, the abdominal flap is reversible, having one side imprinted with indicia designating the anatomically correct locations of the various organs. The flap has one surface which matches the exterior surface of the fabric covering on the remainder of the stuffed toy animal. The other surface of the flap is provided with the organ location indicia and with Velcro fasteners for cooperation with Velcro fasteners on each organ. By selectively reversing the abdominal cavity flap, the correct relative locations of the organs may be externally displayed or the abdominal cavity may be concealed to provide an appearance of a conventional stuffed toy animal. In additional hollow cavity in the head of the stuffed toy animal is provided with an audio educational tape playing device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,300 discloses a combination carrying device and toy. The combination carrying device and toy includes a body that has an exterior surface for defining a toy-like structure and having interior surfaces defining at least one hollow body cavity being sufficiently sized to contain and carry desired baby accessories. At least one entry panel forms a portion of the exterior surface. The entry panel provides access to the hollow body cavity. The entry panel is fastened in a desired orientation relative to the exterior surface. Preferably, the body is in the shape of an ostensibly stuffed animal, such as a bear.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,946 discloses a children's toy with a selectively accessible internal cavity with associated storage device. The new and improved children's toy has an internal cavity where valuables and the like may be stored. The cavity is easily and repeatedly accessible without damaging the toy. A container is provided for placing the valuables in, and then placing the container into the cavity.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,769 discloses a thematic character pillow with recreational sleep enhancing accessories. A dual purpose plush toy character is used as both a sleep enhancer toy and headrest pillow. The combined plush character headrest pillow includes a pouch with manually movable recreational members, such as storybooks or puppets, inserted therein to help a young child fall asleep comfortably. The plush character toy may also be an elongate amphibian type of animal, such as a lizard or worm, wherein a concave spinal portion of the animal is an orthopedically correct pillow headrest. Puppets may be provided within a hollow portion within the plush character toy, so that after the pillow portion is pivoted down, a further puppet stage set with a pop up type landscape or fantasy scene is erected by spring action upon a base portion of the puppet stage set. Thereafter, the child can insert his or her hand within an open proximal end of an attached sleeve portion, wherein at a distal end thereof there are provided the puppet portion, such as a plurality of finger puppets or a single hand puppet. The plush character toy is preferably made of a soft cuddly fabric, with a soft interior such as foam. On its outside the exterior of the animal may include a soft artificial fur or felt type fabric exterior, with optional exaggerated anthrpomorphic features, such as faces, eyes, a smiling mouth, and soft but slightly firm limbs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,088 discloses a soft sculpture toy apparatus. The soft sculpture toy apparatus has one or more storage slots for a compact disc and/or cassette tape and a book. The apparatus also includes one or more storage cavities located within the apparatus that has a storage flap for storing a plurality of toys used with the apparatus. Finally, the apparatus may include a satchel for storing and transporting the apparatus and the plurality of toys.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,288 discloses an articulated wild game decoy. An articulated game decoy is activated by wind and is formed of sheet material having a main body member adapted to be mounted on trees or shrubs, a head and neck member pivotally connected to the main body, elastic members connected between the head and neck member and main body member, and ears attached transverse to the head portion of the head and neck member to catch the wind and oscillate the head and neck member relative to the main body when subjected to a breeze. The main body may have an integral tail portion or a separate tail member pivotally connected thereto with elastic members therebetween, which will also oscillate when subjected to a breeze. The sheet material may have a weather resistive wax coating and the main body may be provided with a scent impregnated wax coating, or with a recess or aperture to receive a scented insert to attract wild game.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,670 discloses an interchangeable sound effect device. The interchangeable sound effect device incorporates and plays sound effects that have been digitally recorded on interchangeable sound cartridges. This device is designed to be used with entertainment and educational type products such as toys, dolls, figurines, books and instructional guides. The sound effect device employs an infrared receiver housed within a durable encasement which straps around the user's waist or is embedded within the doll, figurine, toy, or book. The receiver unit contains an infrared detector, an electronic diving means, an audio speaker, and a sound cartridge that rests within a sound cartridge chamber. The sound cartridge contains a sound enabler chip that stores, in digital form, a number of prerecorded sound effects. In addition, the user can easily remove the sound cartridge and insert one of many other sound cartridges each containing a different set of sound effects. Finally, the sound effect device uses an infrared transmitter that attaches to an adjustable glove. This transmitter contains several buttons which the user presses to select the desired sound effect. When the user actuates a button, the transmitter directs an infrared signal indicative of a sound effect to the receiver which will in turn access the sound enabler chip and play the sound effect. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver functions are eliminated and the sound effect device is contained within a single housing unit that would be physically incorporated into the doll, toy, book, etc. for convenience. The one-piece embodiment also employs easy to use, interchangeable sound cartridges and the user would operate both embodiments in the same manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,305 discloses an interchangeable sound effect device that incorporates and plays sound effects that have been digitally recorded on interchangeable sound cartridges. This device is designed to be used with entertainment and educational type products, such as toys, dolls, figurines, books, and instructional guides. The sound effect device employs an infrared receiver housed within a durable encasement that straps around the user's waist or is embedded within the doll, figurine, toy, or book. The receiver unit contains an infrared detector, an electronic diving means, an audio speaker, and a sound cartridge that rests within a sound cartridge chamber. The sound cartridge contains a sound enabler chip that stores, in digital form, a number of prerecorded sound effects. In addition, the user can easily remove the sound cartridge and insert one of many other sound cartridges each containing a different set of sound effects. Finally, the sound effect device uses an infrared transmitter that attaches to an adjustable glove. This transmitter contains several buttons that the user presses to select the desired sound effect. When the user actuates a button, the transmitter directs an infrared signal indicative of a sound effect to the receiver which will in turn access the sound enabler chip and play the sound effect. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver functions are eliminated and the sound effect device is contained within a single housing unit that would be physically incorporated into the doll, toy, book, etc. for convenience. The one-piece embodiment also employs easy to use, interchangeable sound cartridges and the user would operate both embodiments in the same manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,753 discloses an interchangeable sound effect device which incorporates and plays sound effects that have been digitally recorded on interchangeable sound cartridges. This device is designed to be used with entertainment and educational type products'such as toys, dolls, figurines, books and instructional guides. The sound effect device employs an infrared receiver housed within a durable encasement which straps around the user's waist or is embedded within the doll, figurine, toy, or book. The receiver unit contains an infrared detector, an electronic diving means, an audio speaker, and a sound cartridge that rests within a sound cartridge chamber. The sound cartridge contains a sound enabler chip that stores, in digital form, a number of prerecorded sound effects. In addition, the user can easily remove the sound cartridge and insert one of many other sound cartridges each containing a different set of sound effects. Finally, the sound effect device uses an infrared transmitter that attaches to an adjustable glove. This transmitter contains several buttons which the user presses to select the desired sound effect. When the user actuates a button, the transmitter directs an infrared signal indicative of a sound effect to the receiver which will in turn access the sound enabler chip and play the sound effect. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver functions are eliminated and the sound effect device is contained within a single housing unit that would be physically incorporated into the doll, toy, book, etc. for convenience. The one-piece embodiment also employs easy to use, interchangeable sound cartridges and the user would operate both embodiments in the same manner.

While there have been a number of systems using dolls and toys, none of the prior art shows a pouch with interchangeable objects. The prior systems have not been directed to a child's object such as a pillow or a doll.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device in which a common implement that the child is familiar with is modified to provide comfort to the child.

It is a further object to the present invention to provide a device in which a toy or implement for a device holds a pouch that can be filled with aromatherapy packets, hot/cold packets or an electronic device that plays music or sounds.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a device for calming or comforting a child comprising a soft implement for use by a child, which has an integral internal sealable pouch and a means for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention is a device for calming or comforting a child comprising a soft implement for use by a child and having an integral internal sealable pouch, a device for selectively sealing the pouch, and an aromatherapy packet for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention is a device for calming or comforting a child comprising a soft implement in the shape of a doll for use by a child and having an integral internal sealable pouch, an electronic noise generating mechanism for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child and a device for selectively sealing the pouch.

In yet a further preferred embodiment, the invention is a device for calming or comforting a child comprising a soft implement in the shape of a doll for use by a child and having an integral internal sealable pouch, a hot/cold pack mechanism for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child and a device for selectively sealing the pouch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is described with reference to the enclosed Figures. The preferred embodiment is directed toward a stuffed animal, a pillow, or a blanket that includes an integral pouch 12 sealed with a zipper 13 or Velcro™ 14.

Referring now to the Figures, the preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The toy 10 comprises a conventional object that the child regularly uses, such as a stuffed animal.

The pouch 12 is sealable with zipper 13, or Velcro 14 or other similar sealing system. The pouch will hold a variety of objects intended to soothe or amuse the child. The pouch can hold, but is not limited to, aromatherapy packets, hot/cold pack, or electronic device that plays music and or sounds, such as a heartbeat, water, static, or the like.

The stuffed figure is a child's regular toy, pillow, or blanket, but if the child needs a stimulus, a device can be inserted into the pouch of the design. For example, if the child is having trouble sleeping, a lavender packet 16 or an electronic device 18 can be inserted into the pouch to aid in sleep. If the child is nauseous, a peppermint scented packet can be inserted. If the child is content, the toy, pillow, or blanket can function in its normal use.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the invention is shown in conjunction with a pillow 20. The pillow 20 includes a pouch with zipper 13 or Velcro 14. As with the first embodiment, the pouch can hold a variety of objects 16, 18 used to comfort or calm a baby or small child.

The present invention has been described with reference to the above discussed preferred embodiments. It is to be appreciated that the true nature and scope of the present invention is determined with reference to the claims appended hereto. 

1. A device for calming or comforting a child comprising: a soft implement for use by a child and having an integral internal sealable pouch; and a means for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child.
 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the soft implement is a doll.
 3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the soft implement is a pillow.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the means is an aromatherapy packet.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the means is an electronic voice activating device.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the voice activating device plays music.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the voice activating device seemingly is a heartbeat.
 8. A device for calming or comforting a child comprising: a soft implement for use by a child and having an integral internal sealable pouch; a device for selectively sealing the pouch; and an aromatherapy packet for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child.
 9. A device for calming or comforting a child comprising: a soft implement in the shape of a doll for use by a child and having an integral internal sealable pouch; an electronic noise generating mechanism for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child; and a device for selectively sealing the pouch.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the electronic noise generating mechanism generates music.
 11. A device for calming or comforting a child comprising: a soft implement in the shape of a doll for use by a child and having an integral internal sealable pouch; a hot/cold pack mechanism for insertion into the pouch for soothing or comforting the child; and a device for selectively sealing the pouch. 